2015-01-15

On any list of Craig MacTavish’s big successes in 2013-14, the acquisition of St. Louis Blues winger David Perron in exchange for Magnus Paajarvi and a second round draft pick would rank at the very top. The grinding forward added a chippy presence that the Oilers have lacked in recent years, and he did it while being a top-30 NHL goal scorer.

The addition of Perron was a clear win for the Oilers in a season that had far too many clear losses. Magnus Paajarvi, for all his ability, is still trying to find his niche in the NHL, and the second round pick St. Louis received from Edmonton is years away from contributing. Add in that Perron’s playing on a value contract ($3.81 million cap hit for two more seasons) and the deal looks even better.

Trades like this will go a long way toward getting the Oilers’ rebuild back on track.

Acquired in an off-season trade in July 2013 with the St. Louis Blues for Magnus Paajarvi, Perron netted a team-high 28 goals last season then never grumbled this winter when he was shuttled from one line to another.